The Breakdown of Politics
Since the beginning of time, young men have been sent to fight and die for their countries after the breakdown of politics in international disputes. In the twentieth century, many, many millions of young men were dragged away from their homes and their lives to die horribly in some foreign land. In friendlier times, these young men may well have become friends, colleagues or teammates. Some fought and died for freedom, some were forced to fight for twisted ideologies. All of them should be remembered with respect.
In the Commonwealth of Nations member states, as well as many non- Commonwealth countries, Remembrance Day has been observed since the end of the First World War to remember the members of their armed forces who died in the line of duty. Remembrance Day is observed on the 11th of November in most countries to recall the end of hostilities of World War 1. On that date in 1918, hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month", in accordance with the armistice signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente.
The red remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem "In Flanders Fields", written by John McCrae. Poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I; their brilliant red colour became a symbol for the blood spilled in the war.
In Germany, “Volkstrauertag” (people's day of mourning) is a public holiday, held two Sundays before the first day of Advent. Because of the relation to Advent, the date is the Sunday nearest 16 November, i.e. in the period from 13 November to 19 November. It commemorates members of the German armed forces and civilians who died in armed conflicts and also includes victims of violent oppression. It was first observed in its modern form in 1952.
To buy prints or simply to see more of my paintings, please visit www.andrewhillhouseprints.co.uk
Thank you.